Home Buying 101: Utility Bills
Figure out your needs
Monthly cost of owning a home
Ideal Neighborhood
Financing Your Purchase
The FHA Mortgage
The Conventional Mortgage
The Adjustable Rate Mortgage
Department Of Veterans Affairs Mortgage
Pre-Qualified vs Pre-Approval
Phase 2: Looking
Looking at homes
Types of homes
Single Family Homes
Town Homes
Condominium
Twin Homes
Multi-Family Homes
Types of sellers
Traditional
Short Sale
Foreclosed
Researching A Home’s Public Information
Phase 3: Buying
Making an offer that counts
The Purchase Agreement
Buyer Letter to Seller
Inspections: Why get one?
Radon Testing
Sewer Line Scope Inspection
Fireplace Chimney Inspection
Mechanicals
Phase 4: Closing
Closing Costs Explained
Title Work
Appraisals
Utility Bills
On the way towards closing, you should contact the utility billing companies for the home you are purchasing. This is usually done the week before closing, but can be done sooner. You should contact each one and let them know that you just purchased a house and are closing on ____ date. They will change the billing to your name as of the date of your closing. Here are a few to remember to contact:
Electricity
Gas
Water / Sewer
Garbage
Phone (optional)
Cable (optional)
Internet Provider (optional)
Some cities require you to use the city’s garbage collection. Other cities require you to hire a waste hauler. Check with your particular city to see what applies in your area.
Common Electric Providers
Xcel Energy (electricity in most areas, gas in some) 800-895-1999
Common Gas Providers
Centerpoint Energy (gas in most areas) 800-245-2377
Water / Sewer
Most of the cities bill individually for their water services.
Garbage
Minneapolis Utility Billing provides garbage services. You can read about their collection services here.
St. Paul does not provide garbage services. Please contact one of their approved vendors.
Richfield does not provide garbage services. Please contact one of their approved vendors.
Bloomington has just moved to a consortium of garbage haulers. You will contract with the city to have them haul your garbage and they will allow one of the consortium members to haul your garbage.